Q&A With the Marathon-Running Chewbacca

Readers, it probably will not surprise you to learn that, in addition to being a running enthusiast and, apparently, a skilled Photoshop user, I am a diehard Star Wars geek.

I saw the original Star Wars the year it was released, in 1977; owned approximately 2,800 cubic feet of Star Wars merchandise (including bedsheets); and to this day take great comfort in knowing that I can pop in my DVD of The Empire Strikes Back anytime I want. If the Star Wars franchise were a person, our relationship could be summed up with these two lines of dialog:

Thanks to this thing called the internet, I was able to track down the man in the costume: Greg Geiger, a 34-year-old salesman in Mendota Heights, Minnesota. Greg was kind enough to answer a few questions about his experience via email. (Usual reverse-disclaimer: Unlike many of my other columns, this one is based in reality. This actually is an interview with an actual person.)

Remy's World: How long have you been running, and how many marathons have you done?Greg Geiger: I've been running for 15 years, and done 20 or so marathons. [Twin Cities was his first marathon in a costume.]

What is your marathon PR? 3:03.

Safe to say you're a Star Wars fan? More a fan of having fun.

When exactly did you decide to run Twin Cities as Chewbacca? And why? I toyed with the idea for about a month. Got the costume one week before the race.

Do you own the costume, or was it a rental? I own it (as of last week). Small price to pay.

Wait… Now that I think about it, is that actually a Chewbacca costume? Or just a Wookiee costume? (I don't see Chewie's trademark bandoleer, for example.) My older son was disappointed I didn't carry my bag...but I seriously didn't want to have to think about one more thing.

Did you train in that thing? If so, how much? Honestly, I ran to the end of the block. I got tired but felt all right in the costume. I couldn't see very well, so I went inside (Saturday night) and modified the eyes and nose.

How did you eat and drink during the race? Or did you? I stopped at each station and slid cups under the mask.

How did you pee during the race? Or did you?Never had to go... I sweat it out.

Especially given this new emphasis on security, did you have any trouble getting into your starting corral? None.

Finally: According to Twin Cities' official results, you beat 705 presumably non-costumed runners. What do you say to them? Finishing a marathon is the best feeling, once the pain subsides. Few people can claim it. It's either you have or you haven't -- not your time, or what species beat you. Congratulations to all entrants and may the Force be with you during your next effort.

ED: Thanks, Greg, for chatting with Remy's World. And, readers, a word of advice: If you find yourself about to pass Chewbacca during your next race, let the Wookiee win.

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